Headrest for a seat

ABSTRACT

A headrest ( 1 ) for a seat ( 3 ), preferably a passenger seat, particularly an air passenger seat, includes at least one tilt adjusting device ( 27 ) and one height adjustment device ( 12 ) for adjusting the tilt or the height of the headrest ( 1 ) relative to the backrest ( 2 ) of the seat ( 3 ) on which the headrest ( 1 ) can be placed. A swiveling axis ( 28 ) for tilt adjustment of the headrest ( 1 ) is on guiding part ( 14 ), while pointing away from the headrest. The guiding part displaceably interacts with a longitudinal guide ( 13 ) and, together with this longitudinal guide, is part of the height adjusting device ( 12 ). The backrest structure can have a highly simplified design due to the longitudinal guide ( 13 ) being an integral part of the headrest ( 1 ) and the swiveling axis ( 28 ) of the guiding part ( 14 ) being fixed relative to the backrest ( 2 ), and since the frame of the backrest does not require any reinforcing structures or guide rails for accommodating a headrest. In addition, the possibilities for adjusting the height and tilt of the headrest relative to the backrest are greatly increased.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a headrest for a seat, preferably apassenger seat, in particular an aircraft passenger seat, having atleast one tilt adjusting mechanism and one height adjusting mechanismfor adjusting the tilt and/or the height of the headrest relative to thebackrest of the seat on which the headrest may be mounted. A pivot shaftfor the tilt adjustment of the headrest is mounted on an associatedguide component facing away from the headrest. This guide component,which is displaceable, operates in conjunction with a longitudinal guideand together with this component forms the height adjustment component.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A generic headrest of the state of the art is disclosed in WO 95/09742.The described headrest has a tilting adjusting mechanism and a heightadjustment mechanism for adjustment of the tilt and height of theheadrest relative to the backrest of a seat. The adjustment mechanismsfor tilt and height are mounted on the rear side of the headrest facingaway from the seat occupant and are partly integrated with the backrestof the seat. The longitudinal guides for the height adjustment mechanismare a component of the backrest and are rigidly connected to the framestructure of this backrest. The pivot shaft, about which the headrestmoves as its tilt is adjusted, is positioned in the plane formed by thelongitudinal guides and is correspondingly repositioned vertically whenthe height of the headrest is adjusted. The components of the tilt andheight adjustment mechanism are mounted in the central area of theheadrest, so that the potential tilt adjustment range, in particular, isreduced by the disclosed solution.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,655,241 and 3,547,486 disclose generic headrests for apassenger seat having at least one tilt adjustment mechanism and oneheight adjustment mechanism for adjustment of the tilt or the height ofthe headrest relative to the backrest of the seat on which the headrestmay be mounted. A pivot shaft for the tilt adjustment of the headrest ismounted on an associated guide component facing away from the headrest,is a movably mounted and operates in conjunction with a longitudinalguide. Together with the longitudinal guide, the pivot shaft constitutesa component of the height adjustment mechanism The longitudinal guide isan integral component of the headrest, while the pivot shaft of therespective guide component is mounted stationary relative to thebackrest.

In these conventional solutions, the pivot shaft as the tilt adjustmentmechanism is guided along the upper side of the backrest, and is mountedin a common plane with the longitudinal guide of the height adjustmentmechanism. In this configuration, the headrest may be moved back andforth relative to the backrest. Also, the additional option exists ofpivoting the headrest forward and backward for the purpose of tiltadjustment, specifically as a result of the course of the pivot shaftdiagonally and along the upper side of the backrest. The potentialheadrest adjustments of this configuration are accordingly restricted.The known solutions are also complicated in design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide an improved headrest inwhich the overall design cost will be lowered, while the height and tiltadjustment options will be increased.

This object is attained by headrest where the height adjustmentmechanism is mounted between the pivot shaft for tilt adjustment of theheadrest and the side of the headrest facing away from the seatoccupant. This backrest structure can be greatly simplified in design,since no reinforcing structures or guide rails are needed on its framefor seating a headrest. The options for height and tilt adjustment ofthe headrest relative to the backrest are greatly increased. Theheadrest with its lower side may be pulled out as far as the pivotmechanism for adjustment of tilt. As a result, no parts of the headrestcollide with the backrest. This situation avoids correspondingrestriction of options in conventional arrangements. The presentinvention optimizes the range of adjustment of the tilt of the headrestso that the tilt may be adjusted to the extent of extreme tilt angles.

In a preferred embodiment of the headrest of the present invention, theheight adjustment mechanism has a catch positioning mechanism. In thisway, the headrest may be adjusted repeatedly and simply to specificassigned or assignable height positions. In one especially preferredembodiment, the catch positioning mechanism has in the longitudinalguide a spacing component with recesses into which a prestressed catchcomponent of the guide component may be engaged. The at least partialintegration of the catch positioning mechanism with the longitudinalguide results in an especially compact and accordingly space-savingconfiguration of the height adjustment mechanism.

In another preferred embodiment of the headrest of the presentinvention, the height adjustment mechanism has at least one energyaccumulator component. Particularly, the energy accumulator can be inthe form of a tension spring extending along the respective longitudinalguide and articulated with a point of application on the guide componentand with another point of application in the area of the lower side ofthe headrest. The energy accumulator component supports the movement ofadjustment in the direction opposite the direction of gravity (upward)during height adjustment of the headrest. In one particularcost-effective embodiment, the energy accumulator component is in theform of at least one tension spring. Extension along the longitudinalguide results in optimal transfer of force from the energy accumulatorcomponent to the headrest, along with avoidance of the presence of acantilever on the guide component. The cantilever may result in jammingof the guide component in the longitudinal guide, and accordingly, causepoor controllability of the height adjustment mechanism.

In a further preferred embodiment, the guide component has a recess forthe energy accumulator component such that the energy accumulatorcomponent is integrated with the guide component when the headrest is inthe fully extended position. Optimal utilization of the adjustment pathfor the height adjustment is thereby ensured.

In one especially preferred embodiment of the headrest of the presentinvention, a receiving component detachably connected to the headrestserves as the area of contact of the energy accumulator component in thearea of the lower side of the headrest. The energy accumulator componentor the height adjustment mechanism is thus accessible at low cost formaintenance or cleaning.

In another preferred embodiment, the headrest is provided with two sidecomponents which may be mounted in assignable angular positions relativeto a base component and by way of a locating mechanism, a catchmechanism in particular. The other potential adaptations of the headrestprovided by the side components represent a considerable gain in comfortfor the seat occupant. The adjustment of the side components toassignable angular positions simplifies operation in the adjustmentprocess. A catch mechanism permits retention of a selected adjustmentonce it has been made, so that no undesirable displacement of the sidecomponents takes place.

In another advantageous embodiment of the headrest, the pivot shaft isin the form of a friction coupling on the guide component. A fasteningposition for the headrest is connected to the guide component by thefriction coupling on the backrest. The friction coupling permitscontinuous adjustment of the tilt of the headrest. Since that frictioncoupling connects the guide component to a fastening position for theheadrest on the backrest, a very compact structure is provided. Onlyslight leverage is applied to the individual components. The mechanicalstability under load of the height and tilt adjustment mechanism is as aresult very high. In the event of application of a heavy load, such asimpact of a head, the forces introduced can be reliably absorbed andwithout great discomfort to the head.

In one especially preferred embodiment, the base component and the twoside components are in the form of laminar molded elements. Thisstructure permits cost-effective production of these components.Reduction in weight with no significant loss of stability may beachieved by means of suitably selected recesses in the laminarcomponents.

In another preferred embodiment of the headrest, the base component hasa central recess. The height and tilt adjustment mechanisms extend onboth sides next to the central recess along the base component facingthe two side components. In addition to the weight reduction, thecentral recess provides, in particular, improved impact protection forthe rear of the head of the seat occupant in the event of an accident.There are no hard or sharp-edged structures of any nature under theheadrest padding which might lead to a head injury. The height and tiltadjustment mechanism is accordingly mounted on both sides next to thecentral recess along the base component facing the two side components.

One especially preferred embodiment of the headrest is characterized inthat a lighting fixture is mounted in the padding of at least one of thetwo side components. Significant increase in comfort is provided by theassociated options for individual adaptation to the needs of a seatoccupant.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the present inventionwill become apparent from the following detailed description, which,taken in conjunction with the annexed drawings, discloses a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to the drawings which form a part of this disclosure:

FIGS. 1 a to 1 g are graphical, side elevational views of a seat with aheadrest according to an embodiment of the present invention indifferent tilt and height adjustment positions relative to the backrestof a seat;

FIG. 2 is a partially exploded, perspective view of the headrest of FIG.1 without padding and cover material in an overall view diagonally fromthe rear side, and

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the headrest of FIG. 1 without paddingand cover material in an overall view diagonally from the front side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIGS. 1 a to 1 g show an embodiment of a headrest according to thepresent invention in different tilt and height adjustments or positionsrelative to a backrest 2 of a seat 3. In FIG. 1 a the headrest 1 ispresented in a base position such that it assumes an intermediateheight. The longitudinal axis 4 of the headrest is oriented parallelwith the longitudinal axis 5 of the backrest. In FIGS. 1 b to 1 d, theheadrest 1 assumes a positive angle of inclination α. In FIGS. 1 e to 1g, a negative angle of inclination β. These figures clearly illustratethe multiplicity of different potential adjustments.

FIG. 2 shows the headrest 1 without padding and cover material in anoverall partly exploded view obliquely from the rear. The headrest 1 hasa base component 6 on which two side components 7 are hingedly mounted.The rotating or pivoting motion of the side components 7 relative to thebase component 6 may be stopped in the position desired by the seatoccupant by a locking mechanism 8. The locking mechanism 8 may, for thispurpose, be designed as a catch mechanism in which a mechanicallyprestressed catch (one mounted on an armature component of the basecomponent 6) is engaged in assignable recesses or cavities in a guidebar. This arrangement makes it possible to place the side components 7in assignable angular positions relative to the base component 6. Thelocking mechanism 8 may also be configured so that the side components 7may be adjusted to any desired angular position relative to the basecomponent 6. With this solution, the side components 7 may be kept in adesired position exclusively by the static friction occurring in thelocking mechanism 8 or additionally by the stopping action of a lockingmechanism (not shown).

The base component 6 and the side components 7 are laminar moldedcomponents in the configuration shown in FIG. 2. They may formed of aplastic or a metal, in particular a light metal such as aluminum. Themolded components have openings 9, which among other things reduceweight. The base component 6 has an opening in the form of a centralrecess 10. On each side of central recess 10, a height and tiltadjustment mechanism (designated as a whole as 11) is mounted in thedirection of the side components 7. The area of the central recess 10 inthe base component 6 is kept entirely clear of hard or sharp-edgedstructures which could cause injuries in the event of a hard impact ofthe occupant's head on the headrest. A tubular frame design or acombination of these alternatives is also possible in place of a laminarconfiguration of the base component 6 and the side components 7.

The height adjustment mechanism 12 has a longitudinal guide 13, a guidecomponent 14 and a catch positioning mechanism 15. The longitudinalguide 13 extends in parallel with the longitudinal axis 4 of the headrest on both sides of the central recess 10 of the base component 6. Thelongitudinal guide 13 has a clamp-shaped profile in cross-section, suchas a double C profile, so that the guide component 14 is securelyretained. The catch positioning mechanism 15, which in the configurationshown in FIG. 2 has a spacing component 16 with recesses 17 in which aprestressed catch component 18 of the guide component 14 may be engaged,is integrated with the longitudinal guide 13. The spacing component 16may be a strip of metal or plastic in which the recesses 17 in the formof through borings or cavities are positioned. The prestressed catchcomponent 18 may be cost-effectively and reliably configured as a catchwith spring-loaded ball. However, application of mechanical prestressingto the catch may also be effected by hydraulic, pneumatic, or magneticmeans. The height adjustment mechanism 12 may have as another componentan energy accumulator component 19 which supports the height adjustmentprocess in movement of the headrest upward.

The energy accumulator component 19 extends along the respectivelongitudinal guide 13 and is coupled with a point of application 20 onthe guide component 14 and with another point of application 21 in thearea of the lower side of the headrest.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the point of application 20 on theguide component 14 is in the form of a connecting component 22.Connecting component 22 may be omitted in another embodiment, where theenergy accumulator component 19 engages the guide component 14 directly.The point of application 21 in the area of the lower side of theheadrest 1 is in the form of a seating component 23 detachably connectedto the headrest 1. For the purpose of connecting the seating component23 to the headrest 1, to the longitudinal guide 13 in particular, theseating component 23 may have securing means 24. In the exemplaryembodiment shown in FIG. 2, the securing means is a splint, but mayotherwise also be in the form of a screw or a dowel pin.

The energy accumulator component 19 in the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 isin the form of a helical spring. This represents a very cost-effectiveand very easy solution. In other configurations the energy accumulatorcomponent 19 may also embodied as a hydraulic or pneumatic pressureaccumulator component. The longitudinal guide 13 and the guide component14 are configured so that the longitudinal guide encloses the guidecomponent at least in part or conversely. Movement of the two componentsrelative to each other may occur in the main only in the directiondetermined by the longitudinal axis of the guide 13.

When the headrest 1 is positioned at a minimal height relative to thebackrest 2, as is illustrated on the left side in FIG. 2, the guidecomponent 14 is positioned at the upper end 25 and the energyaccumulator component 19 is prestressed from its neutral or restposition so that the energy accumulator component 19 actively supportsor biases movement upward during height adjustment of the headrest 1.

When the headrest 1 is in the position of maximum height adjustmentrelative to the backrest 2, the seating component 23 is near the lowerside facing it of the guide component 14 or rests at least in part onit. In the latter case, the guide component 14 may simultaneously assumethe function of a catch on the upper end of the displacement path of theheight adjustment mechanism 12. However, a catch may also be configuredas a hydraulic or pneumatic embodiment of the energy accumulatorcomponent 19.

The surfaces of the longitudinal guide 13 and the guide component 14facing each other have on at least one of these components a groove-likerecess 26 which extends parallel to the longitudinal direction of thelongitudinal guide 13. The energy accumulator component 19 mounted inparallel with this guide is seated at least in part in the groove-likerecess 26. In the position of maximum height adjustment of the headrest1 relative to the backrest 2, energy component 19 is seated entirely orat least substantially between the longitudinal guide 13 and the guidecomponent 14. In a preferred configuration, the guide component 14 hasthe groove-like recess 26 designed so that the energy accumulatorcomponent is seated in its entirety in the guide component 14 when theheadrest 1 is in the fully extended position.

The longitudinal guides 13 are mounted on both sides of the centralrecess 10 of the base component 6 on the rear side of the headrestfacing away from a seat occupant on the front side and are an integralcomponents of the headrest 1. As a result, the tilt adjustment mechanism27 is mounted to be stationary relative to the backrest 2 or variable inheight relative to the headrest 1, so that the options for adjustment ofthe tilt of the headrest 1 relative to the backrest 2 are greatlyincreased. Optimal configuration of these relationships is achieved ifthe height adjustment mechanism 12 is mounted between the rear side ofthe headrest 1 facing away from the seat occupant and a pivot shaft axis28 for adjustment of the tilt of the headrest 1.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 2 the pivot shaft or axis 28 formed of afriction coupling 29 on the guide component 14. Continuous adjustment ofthe tilt of the headrest 1 is made possible by this friction coupling.The guide component 14 is connected by friction coupling 29 to afastening point 30 on the backrest 2. A motor-driven mechanism ratherthan the friction coupling 29 may also assume the function of connectingheadrest to backrest and of locking the headrest 1 in the positiondesired. Especially preferred is use of a so-called hydrolock whichpermits continuous height adjustment. In that case, application of forceby the seat occupant is required only for adjustment of the movement ofthe headrest 1 downward. The hydrolock performs the work required forthe purpose in upward adjustment of the headrest.

FIG. 3 shows the headrest 1 without padding and covering in an overallview diagonally from the front side. The entire front side of theheadrest facing or adjacent to the seat occupant is very smooth andeven, since all components of the height and tilt adjustment mechanism11 are mounted on the side of the headrest 1 facing away or remote fromthe seat occupant. The central recess 10 in the base component 6 is keptcompletely free of components of any kind. As a result of thisstructure, injuries are prevented in this area in the event of impact onthe head. The upper edge 31 of the base component 6 extends somewhat tothe rear relative to a seat occupant, so that it is somewhat fartheraway from a seat occupant than the lower edge 32 of the base component6. Consequently, the base component 6 already has an ergonomicallypreshaped outline, so that less padding material need be expendedoverall for ergonomic configuration of the headrest 1.

As the foregoing exposition makes clear, the tilt pivots are positionedto the front of the guide components, so that different tilt angles areobtained. Since the longitudinal guides for them are integrated into theheadrest, the headrest may be secured on the backrest 2 by way ofretaining clips 33 associated with the respective headrest. Since thebackrest 2 consequently has no longitudinal guide of its own, there areno slots to be seen in the backrest padding. This lack of backrest slotsimproves seating comfort, since no otherwise customary slot guide is tobe detected in the backrest even when the headrest is raised completelyto its highest position.

The headrest may also be rapidly replaced by way of the retaining clips33. The clips may be secured on the tilt adjustment mechanism by thefriction coupling 29. Another replacement possibility is represented byremoval, after detaching the securing means 24 in the shape of asecuring bolt, of the headrest with its longitudinal guides 13 from thebackrest 2. The height and tilt adjustment mechanism 11 then remainsstationary on the backrest 2. In one embodiment (not shown), the heightadjustment mechanism 12 may be in the form of the respectivelongitudinal guide 13 itself. In that case, the recesses 17 areintegrated directly into the longitudinal guide. As a result ofemployment of the spacing component 16 as an independent component, thespacing component may nevertheless be designed to be rugged forengagement of the detent sphere. For example, it may consist of a steelmaterial which is subject to low wear. Otherwise the longitudinal guide13 may made directly of a light plastic material.

A lighting component 70 can be mounted in the padding of one of the sidecomponents.

While one embodiment has been chosen to illustrate the invention, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes andmodifications can be made therein without departing from the scope ofthe invention as defined in the appended claims.

1. A seat comprising a backrest; a headrest adjustable in height andtilt relative to said backrest, said headrest having a front surfacefacing an occupant of the seat and a rear surface facing away from theoccupant; a pivot axis for tilt adjustment of said headrest mounted on aguide component mounted on said rear surface and extending away fromsaid front surface, said guide component and said pivot axis beingstationarily mounted to said backrest; and a longitudinal guide mountedon said rear surface and displaceably engageable with said guidecomponent for height adjustment, said longitudinal guide being anintegral component of said headrest, said longitudinal guide and saidguide component being mounted between said pivot axis and said rearsurface.
 2. A seat according to claim 1 wherein a catch positioningmechanism releasably couples said longitudinal guide and said guidecomponent.
 3. A seat according to claim 2 wherein said catch positioningmechanism comprises a spacing component located in said longitudinalguide, said spacing component having recesses; and a prestressed-catchcomponent of said guide component being releasably engageable in saidrecesses.
 4. A seat according to claim 1 wherein at least one energyaccumulator extends along said longitudinal guide and is coupled at afirst point thereof to said guide component and at a second pointthereof to a lower side of said headrest.
 5. A seat according to claim 4wherein said energy accumulator is a tension spring.
 6. A seat accordingto claim 4 wherein a seating component is detachably connected to saidheadrest and coupled to said energy component at said second pointthereof.
 7. A seat according to claim 4 wherein said guide componentcomprises a recess receiving said energy accumulator, with said energyaccumulator being integrated with said guide component in a fullyextended position of said headrest.
 8. A seat according to claim 1wherein said headrest comprises a base component and two side componentsmounted to said base component for movement between angular positionsrelative thereto; and locking mechanisms on said base component and saidside components secure said side components in selected angularpositions.
 9. A seat according to claim 8 wherein said base componentand said side components comprise laminar molder parts.
 10. A seataccording to claim 9 wherein said base component comprises a centralrecess with height and tilt adjustment mechanisms on both sides of andadjacent to said central recess along said base component and facingsaid side components.
 11. A seat according to claim 8 wherein said baseand side components have exterior padding.
 12. A seat according to claim11 wherein said padding on one of said side components has a lightfixture seated therein.
 13. A seat according to claim 8 wherein saidlocking mechanism is a catch mechanism.
 14. A seat according to claim 1wherein said pivot axis comprises a friction coupling mounted on saidguide component and fastening said headrest to said guide component.